Have you ever noticed how pervasive “perfection” is in our language? The phrase “perfect storm” is used to describe a “rare combination of circumstances will aggravate a situation drastically.” Baseball pitchers strive for throwing a “perfect” game We describe something we think is beautiful as “picture perfect” Two people who have never met before are…
The KISS Model of Leadership Development
Has developing future leaders at your company become a complex web of activities? With formal processes like 360-degree feedback processes, individual development plans, and high-potential candidate reviews, it’s no wonder that leaders feel swamped and put leadership development on the back burner. Or maybe you work for an organization that doesn’t have those formal practices…
Simple Questions Leaders Can Use to Improve Peer Relationships
“How much time does your team invest in becoming better leaders — together?” That’s a question Bob Anderson likes to ask when he consults with senior leadership teams. Anderson is chief knowledge officer and co-founder of The Leadership Circle; his clients are leaders in global firms across all major business sectors. Does the notion of…
People Equation Factors in Successful Organizational Transformation
What makes for a successful organizational transformation? According to consulting firm McKinsey’s latest research, there are several key success factors. A study of a large cross section of companies revealed success indicators that line up with what you might expect: keeping executives up to speed, capital asset allocation and setting clear objectives. But what really…
Beyond Your Ears: The Many Ways Leaders Can Listen to Employees
As a leader, you know the importance of listening to employees, be it knowing when to shut up or creating a speak up culture. Leadership listening is an interpersonal endeavor – two people engaged in dialog to achieve mutual understanding. Recently, I encountered the act of listening framed in a broader, more organizational way –…